Kingdom of Lyria

The Kingdom of Lyria, all known as the Rose Kingdom, is a vibrant country full of hills, forest, flowers. They are the northern neighbors of the Vostarian Empire, and the western neighbors of the Batu Khanate.

Geography
Found in a lush valley, most of the kingdom is filled with rolling hills and overgrown forests. Hastia Lake is on their eastern border providing the kingdom with trade, food, and ease of transportation. The coastline to Bay of Bahari marks the western border. To the north lies the Wasteland, a dry and arid desert where all civilizations have abandoned after the Sacking of the North.

History
The Kingdom of Lyria was founded in the early 400s AS after the Sacking of the North. Refugees found a lush valley with a gentle river near Hastia Lake and settled. They dealt with orc raiders, however were able to fend them off.

In 643 AS, the monarchy was formed after Saint Joan Norina stated she was sent by Oreskos himself to bring law back to this lawless country. Her and the entourage she was with dismantled all criminal organizations, and brought an era of peace. The people elected her as their leader, and soon the bloodline became what was more important than their deeds.

In 1021 AS, deep caverns were discovered in the northern hills of Lyria containing gemstones and magical relics. Upon a more extensive excavations, these caverns once belonged to the ancient elven empire that ruled these lands. From what is known, it was used as a waylay station for trading with an unknown civilization deep in the earth. Using this new found wealth, they were able to catapult themselves into prosperity and gaining access to highly skilled artificers.

In 1074, the "Bloody Queen" and the Reign of the Damned began causing turmoil throughout the kingdom. This lead to a revolution and execution of the Queen Adrianna.

In 1096 AS, the Vostarian Empire invaded the kingdom seeking an annexation of their nation. This failed as the Lyrians allied themselves with Batu, forcing the Empire to retreat back to their territory and eventually submitting peace treaties in 1124 AS.

In 1276 AS, the kingdom has begun the construction of factories and mass production facilities. Only a single factory is up and running currently, located in the city of Lyria itself. Due to the factory requiring many workers, an influx of commoners from all over the kingdom has begun and slums are starting to form around the city.

Government
Founded by Saint Joan Norina, the government is entirely ruled by the monarchy. There is a Parliament where nobles discuss how to better the kingdom with new laws or perhaps just to better themselves, however at the end of the day it is up to the monarchy whether or not those laws come to fruition. The current ruler, Queen Isabella Norina, has been loved by all that have met her. She is known to be kind and respectful to even commoners, mainly due to her night time outings to drink at local taverns and mingle with others. There have been rumors however if she is truly a legitimate heir to the throne due to being born with innate magical abilities.

Laws of the Kingdom

 * 1) Obey the law and keep the peace.
 * 2) When observing Royalty, bow before them until they leave.
 * 3) Criminal activity is punishable by death.
 * 4) Give Oreskos thanks for the peace he has brought us.
 * 5) All mages are required to register at the local offices of Magical Charter Offices.
 * 6) Mages not wearing proper armband will be punished.
 * 7) Worship of the Animist Cult is banned, punishable by death.
 * 8) Do not use the fountains for relieving oneself.
 * 9) Give thanks to the Order of the Black Rose when passing on the roads.
 * 10) Obey all laws

Nobility
The nobility of the kingdom are not of royal blood, however they are often sought upon as suitors when a new heir to the throne appears. These noble houses once came from honorable members of society who had proven themselves time and time again to the crown that they truly believe in the kingdom and its prosperity. Awarded with a noble house, these newly founded members of high end society gain land and title along with a seat in the Parliament. Often becoming merchants and entrepreneurs, they must seek wealth elsewhere due to the royal family decrees on never financially aiding nobility. However, times have changed and most noble houses have become egotistical and selfish. They seek personal gains instead of benefiting the kingdom. This is leading to a change in politics in upper society, and hearing about assassinations and kidnappings has become an often notice.

Military
The Lyrian Guard was founded soon after the rise of Saint Joan. They have become the national army, boasting of their superior horsemanship and mounted combat abilities. Facing off against the Empire's Legion has proven that their boasting was all for nothing as they were pushed back time and time again. Soon a reformation happened, and they became an elite knighthood of mixed cavalry and infantry only accepting those who have proven themselves in combat. It is seen as a great honor to be a member of the Guard, and any seen in a tavern are often paid for by commoners out of respect.

The Order of the Black Rose is the kingdom's other military force. They are a paladin order believing that Oreskos is their patron god. They act as escort, police cities and towns, keep the peace, and punish criminals. Recently they have become more extreme in their punishments, and have been under some pressure by the Queen to release the reigns of justice.

Trade
One could find anything they wanted in the kingdom, if they were willing to pay a high enough price.

The black market is alive and well in the kingdom despite the best efforts of the Black Rose. The Guard tend to turn a blind eye to it.

Batu Khanate is a close trading partner of theirs giving them a huge commercial boon.

Merchants enjoy exports of magic items, exotic spices, alchemical supplies, silk, gems, and horses, as well as the locally produced and extremely popular Kahor, a sweet and strong wine made from blackberries. The kingdom imports food products such as grains, fruits and vegetables, ale, and wine.

Relations
They are very close with their eastern neighbors of the Batu Khanate, often giving them gifts of gratitude for their partnership in the war against the Empire. Their commoners speak well of each other, and often seen helping on another on the road if an issues arise. The kingdoms themselves never squabble over their borders and keep the peace among the two nations. They both believe that their partnership is a benefit for both and have even married into each others noble houses.

Relations with the Vostarian Empire is problematic at best. Despite it being 200 years later, Lyrains still have a certain disdain towards the Empire. They see slavery as an evil and cruel deed, and openly speak out towards the Empire's treatment toward non-humans. It is rumored that Lyrian's are supplying the abolitionist group called the Kestrels in order to aid those that are enslaved still within the Empire.

Notable Locations

 * Lyria, City of Laws
 * Kythian
 * Zephrun
 * Tychon
 * Sicarus' Rest
 * Tethered Woods
 * Glade of Hypatia